Reply To: Should Wedding gowns for the extended family be discontinued?

Sad that we need Takanos for us to live within our means, but it is absolutely the reality here in the U.S.
The gowns for sisters, in laws, and even cousins , close friends have become completely out of control. Even in the secular world, gowns are reserved only for the bridesmaids and are many times paid for by the bridal party, or they can be bought in any department store at reasonable prices. In the frum world, girls and married women are expected to pay upwards of $1000 just for a few hours rental! Not to mention the HOURS spent running around trying to find the appropriate color and size.
I dont think its realistic to expect all girls to start wearing shabs dresses to weddings, it just wont look like a wedding the way we are accustomed to seeing it.
The solution may lie with these so called “Gemachs” and rentals that charge exorbitant prices just because they can. What happened to real Gemachs for CHESSED where the dress was free to borrow? Or at least under $100/dress?
Those who can afford it can spend thousands getting custom gowns created for them to their hearts content and then others can enjoy it at no or minimal cost. (Since those are also the kind of ppl who will not reuse a gown..).
Why is there literally no such thing??
How can this be implemented?
I am curious to hear from someone who owns a “gemach” (where you pay “only” 300/400 plus cleaning and alterations).
Why such high prices? How can we lower it?